Communications and Special Projects Coordinator (Hybrid/Remote Opportunity)

Communications and Special Projects Coordinator (Hybrid / Remote Opportunity)

Job no : 526131Work type :

Staff Full TimeCampus :

UMass AmherstDepartment :

IT AdministrationPay Grade :

26Categories :

Information Technology, Professional Staff Union (PSU)

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Develops, executes, and evaluates communications and outreach plans to inform internal groups of IT services, policies, and initiatives. This position leads communications projects and initiatives; evaluates programs, makes recommendations and executes improvements; collaborates with IT leaders and other campus communications professionals to promote IT service excellence.

Essential Functions

Creates, implements, and evaluate projects, programs and communications plans for IT initiatives.Leads projects for communications and web development projects, defines and documents project goals and timelines, tracks and confirms project milestones, coordinates and leads project resources for internal and external project team members.Defines campaign strategies and utilizes the content management system to manage IT web presence and promote technology resources, policies, and initiatives; identifies communications vehicles that meet project and organizational objectives as appropriate to target audiences.Independently identifies content needs, researches, writes, and proofreads copy and content for electronic and print materials, including brochures, emails, web content, and press releases.Translates complex technical information into procedural documentation easily understood by a non- technical audience; ensures that IT communications utilize institutional brand guidelines as defined by University Relations; maintains IT's style guide for technical documentation.Uses Web analytics and other evaluation tools to assess the effectiveness of IT's communications efforts.Collaborates with staff to provide mission critical access to the IT Web site 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.Anticipates changes in technology and plans for the orderly evolution of the IT Web presence and other communications vehicles. Maintains currency with evolving Web design and project management technology tools.Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Bachelor's degree with three to five years of related professional experience.Experience with publishing, marketing, public relations, communications or developing, creating and curating engaging content or learning materials. Experience working with information technology products and services.Demonstrated ability to create and execute communication plans successfully. Experience using a variety of communication channels to advance organizational goals.Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Excellent use of grammar and style. Experience designing and delivering effective presentations.Knowledge of digital and traditional marketing best practices - including email marketing, social media, and working with brand standards.Demonstrated experience leading collaborative projects across departments and disciplines.Experience translating complex technical information into a written format easily understood by a non technical audience.Working knowledge of XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, or other Web programming languages. Familiarity with Web content management systems (e.g., Drupal, WordPress). Experience working in cross-platform environments.Knowledge of Adobe Acrobat, InDesign, Illustrator, or other desktop publishing software.Knowledge of Web usability and accessibility, especially in higher education.Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects / assignments simultaneously.Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Experience working with web and graphic design.Experience creating functional specifications and Web or paper-based prototypes.Familiarity with Adobe Captivate, Camtasia, or other screen casting software.Physical Demands / Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm (37.5 hours per week).Some nights and weekend hours required to respond to critical system outages or upgrades.Participate in team on-call rotation.This position has the

opportunity for a hybrid work schedule , which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.This position has the

opportunity for a remote work schedule,

which is defined by the University as an arrangement where the employee's work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Level 26

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised :

Jan 09 2025 Eastern Standard TimeApplications close :

Apr 11 2025 Eastern Daylight Time